Monday, June 18, 2007

And a good time was had by all....

It all went well, it really did. Just like you all said it would. You guys are always right, I should listen to you more often.

Friday night BT and I were up late putting together the centerpieces. It was the last thing we had to do, and we both agreed that no matter what else happened, we wouldn’t stress out and let it ruin the day. I think we did a pretty good job of sticking to that promise.

The dress didn’t end up looking totally fabulous in the next size. It was just okay. But I was comfortable and the shoes were very cute. Seamonkey looked totally adorable in his linen sailor suit. The in-laws came right on time and I didn’t even want to smack any of them, not even my SIL…not even once! Can you believe it?? Not once the entire day! Do I get a gold star or something? Surely this must count for something somewhere, no?

The church was kind of anti-climactic. A deacon I never saw before performed the “ceremony”. He babbled on for quite a bit, saying a lot of nothing other than “please pray for these children” over and over, which I didn’t totally get. Admittedly though, it was hard to follow because Seamonkey was babbling pretty loudly the entire time and I was trying my darndest to keep him quiet with limited success. Note to self, next time have Grandpa sit on the other side of the church so he is not a distraction to your child. But what I did hear was kind of flat and unemotional and not very…churchy. At one point he told us how one mother thought he was serious when he teased that the fathers are supposed to keep standing until the baptism candle went out – “I told her ‘get a life lady!’” Yeah, real nice!. We were the first ones up to the font, and it was essentially pour, pour, pour, okay thanks, NEXT! Hmmm…not exactly the solemn sacred ceremony I was hoping for. Oh well. But there were more people at the church than we expected, and it was nice to have the support of those we loved there.

The whole thing, despite having 10 children there to be baptized, took less than 45 minutes. That left 2 hours and 15 minutes before our party started. So we had everyone back at our house. We didn’t expect to have so many people, so BT had to do a mad dash to the grocery store for provisions. As soon as he got back, hot and sweaty, he went to go into our bedroom and found the door locked with no one inside but the cats. We lost the key, so we usually just don’t ever shut the door if we are outside of the room. His sister was trying to be nice and keep the guests out. BT was freaking out pretty good, and I had to really calm him down. Finally, he just made like a bad episode of Starsky and Hutch and rammed the door with his body. The whole door is now a splintered mess, but it’s open and I think it made him feel better. I agreed to let him go to the hall early and have a drink.

The place really looked nice considering it was onlu a Knights of Columbus hall. The centerpieces, placecards, and votives all turned out great, and the room was a vision of blue and white. Our neighbor is a DJ, and she provided the music free of charge. We had old and young alike doing the Electric Slide, Chicken Dance, and my favorite - Cotton Eye Joe. She played our wedding song for us, and played “Mamma” for me to dance my first official dance with seamonkey. The food was delicious and we had a lot of laughs. I really can’t complain about anything.

Except maybe one thing ('cause I'm catty like that): When children are old enough to receive their own invitation, and are even invited with a guest, they should give their own gift. Tagging onto mommy and daddy's card is tacky tacky tacky. It's not about the gift, believe me, it is all going to Seamonkey's college fund anyway. But it should be your own card signed by you (and maybe your tacky girlfriend). We had one family member come with her husband, two 17/19 year old daughters, one with boyfriend in tow (who came late and asked the kitchen to bring out food for them) and from those five people we got one card that contained less than the amount per head for ONE PERSON. Again, it's not the money...it's the disrespect and cheapness that is insulting. But most people were very generous, especially those that have absolutely nothing, and took the time to give inexpensive but meaningful and thoughtful gifts. A small children's bible, a personalized cross nightlight, a silver tone St. Seamonkey medal. These will be treasured mementos of the day.


But that was it. Oh and maybe the fact that BT's nephew brought a girlfriend who wore a white cotton miniskirt and a pink cotton tank top that said "Calvin Klein" across it. Honestly.

Here are the pics you've all been waiting for. Look quick, not sure how long I'm keeping those pics of me up there.



Centerpieces done and ready to go. Handy tip - order the flowers from your local supermarket - we got them for less than $10 a dozen.


Votive favors - Very inexpensive - vellum was like $4, votives were $4 for 6. If anyone wants the template let me know. (Name smudged except for his middle name)

Getting dressed:

Handsome sailor boy:

28 comments:

Elle said...

glad you had a good time. Man you guys plan the shindig for a christening! We Protestant Irish folk only have the big parties when you die.

Seamonkey is just adorable. And the dress does look great btw!

Unknown said...

Sounds fabulous! :) He is sooo adorable. You guys all looked great - glad the dress worked out for you (and too bad we can't see the shoes - I would sooo appreciate!)!
Good to hear the in-laws were ok. We have our baby's baptism coming up in August, and I have the same fears.
:)

Miss Scarlett said...

Could SeaMonkey be any sweeter??
Honestly - what a totally beautiful family you have.
Glad that everything worked out well in the end- and think of what great stories you will have of his baptism day. Daddy breaking down the door etc.
Isn't it shocking how dressed-down people can be for such important occassions? I get that you might not know the people, but have a little respect - especially in a church. Sheesh.
Thank you so much for sharing your pics - and I think you look fabulous in your suit --but we wanted to see the shoes too!

Jenn said...

Oh I am so glad that everything turned out well for you guys! And you all look lovely and the votives and flowers turned out beautiful as well..

Bezzie said...

I'm glad it all went smoothly. Is it possible to get a picture of Seamonkey where he isn't just having the best time ever? What a happy kid!

Lauren said...

So glad it all went well. You guys look great! And Seamonkey is just the cutest baby. Always smiling. You guys are going to be in trouble when he gets older and he flashes that smile at you. :-)

Btw-love the centerpieces and votives. They came out really good.

Michelle Smiles said...

Love the centerpieces! Fabulous! And you are such a beautiful family.

Glad it went well and a good time was had by all!

Ani said...

You did awesome with the centerpieces and the votives! And what a handsome family!!!

Dana said...

Everything looks great! The flowers are beautiful! It's nice to see pictures of the whole family on such a special day! And he looks SOOOOOO handsome all by himself in the sailor outfit! I'm glad it was a good day for you all with exception of the door incident. Looks like it was a great time!

Clover said...

Oh he is so cute! And you look pretty great too...

Glad it all went well, except for the bedroom incident. Maybe you should get a locksmith because as Seamonkey gets older, he's going to be playing with the doors, etc.

Melissa said...

I am so happy everything went well. You have a great family photo. The suit looks great on you. I love the centerpieces.

Rob, Dana, Murphy and Jack! said...

Everything looks great! The dress, the baby, the decorations! You really went to a lot of work. I was just going to invite people over for dinner! :)

Anonymous said...

you look just lovely, and all your artifacts came out great. Are you sometimes amazed by how much Seamonkey looks like his Dad?

Rachael said...

You, your centerpieces and favors, and your darling boy all look fab.

I'm glad everything went well.

beagle said...

You three make one beautiful family!

And you are right, those that have the least are often the most generous. Maybe they take it all less for granted?

Glad the day made for some great memories!

Samantha said...

Glad it went well! That story about the door is too funny!

Anonymous said...

Awwwww - he is just so adorable. I can't believe how fast he is growing!!

Type (little) a aka Michele said...

Gorgeous. The boy and the centerpieces. And where can I find a St. Seamonkey medallion? LOL I always get so stressed planning a party, but I love it once it's happening.

Totally agree with you on the card/present thing.

Glad a caught the pics.

Anonymous said...

I LOVE the sailor suit...too cute! And you all look fabulous together--glad I made it in time to see the pics!

Tami said...

You did great! Everything looked beautiful...including you and Seamonkey! How sweet is he?!
Glad you had a good time and that your in-laws behaved themselves. ;)

mama k said...

You all looked lovely!
Good job on all the decorations.

God bless you little Seamonkey!

Mami Yaya said...

BEATIFUL. The whole thing. Congratulations. Seamonkey is ever so adorable.

Anonymous said...

Everything looked awesome...love those flowers, love the favors and you know, your dress looked pretty damn good too...and that boy...that cutie petootie...oh how I wanna squish him.

Jenni said...

You look gorgeous in that picture of you and Seamonkey! Honestly. The hair, those saucy glasses, the dress... WORK IT GIRL! And Seamonkey looks pretty darn cute in that sailor outfit too. Although, I suspect that you could put him in a ratty old pillow case, and he would still look adorable. :)

I'm glad all your hard work came together and the day went well.

Congratulations!

Andrea said...

I've been stalking the last few days to see the pictures. Seamonkey is just the cutest thing!! Still love those cheeks!!

Such a gorgeous family. And I like the dress, btw. Love the centerpieces! Great idea!!

chanceofbooks said...

I love the Suit! Excellent choice! Rest of the pics are great too! And Sea monkey looks adorable!

Jill said...

by george... he is something else... you are so blessed

Anonymous said...

So glad it went well! He looks adorable. I missed the pictures of you though :)